Her Impact: Nyanya, Say What?

Roots deepen, light spreads. This is the philosophy of the Nyanya Project started by our very own Wake professor, Mary Martin Niepold, along with the help of student volunteers, particularly senior Sam Cernuto.  On a trip to eastern Africa in 2007, where AIDS is a prevalent problem causing many children to become orphans, Niepold discovered the untold story of the grandmothers who raise these parent-less children.  Niepold realized the important role that the grandmothers play in shaping the futures of the children while also providing food and shelter at their own expense.  These grandmothers often lack primary education and a form of steady income because of their obligation to assume the position of caretaker.  And so, Niepold began the Nyanya project in 2008 in Kenya. 

What is the Nyanya project exactly?  Well collegiettes, we talked to student superwoman Sam Cernuto to get the scoop.  First of all, Nyanya means Grandmother in Swahili representing the target beneficiaries of this project.  Nyanya’s objective is to provide grandmothers with the necessary business training to develop a sustainable income through jewelry sales and basket-weaving.  While the grandmothers attend these offered classes, their orphaned grandchildren are educated in pre-schools built by the Nyanya project.  Thus, both generations have the chance to escape the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. 

The Nyanya Project has been a campus fixture since 2009 with Sam’s first on-campus fundraiser involving a Chick-Fil-A cow costume, all-star Wake Forest athletes, and cornhole games on the quad.  This philanthropic quad event proved quite successful and initiated Nyanya’s presence on campus.  Sam’s next fundraiser involved partnering with Student Government to have proceeds from that year’s SpringFest support Nyanya. 

In spring 2010, Nyanya extended its network to the country of Rwanda and brought Pastor Deo Gashagaza to give a lecture on campus.  Gashagaza’s story is influential to say the least.  Inspired by the loss of his sister during the Rwandan genocide, Gashagaza spent his time traveling to Hutu prisons, providing reconciliation.  He then set up 5 reconciliation centers in the area where Hutus and Tutsis can live side by side.  The Nyanya Project has helped Gashagaza and his work by building a pre-school in his area to supervise 40 children while their caretakers are free to take business classes. 

This past fall, Nyanya increased its presence on campus with its series of jewelry sales.  This jewelry created by the grandmothers is made of recycled paper and silk.  Jewelry consists of necklaces and bracelets of varying lengths and colors. 

So now you’re probably wondering where YOU fit into this, collegiettes™?  First, you can become involved with Nyanya as a student group member helping with the charter process and planning fundraisers at Wake and in the W-S community. Secondly, if you’re feeling like taking a life-changing journey, you can sign up for Nyanya Project Safari from July 24-August 4. This trip will consist of traveling with Professor Niepold in Kenya, visiting Nyanya’s various initiatives.  You will also have the awesome chance to visit the Samburu Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park featuring giraffes, lions, and leopards- oh my!  But if Africa isn’t in your summer budget, you can also help out Nyanya by looking out for its on-campus jewelry sales this spring.  What’s better than looking fashionable while supporting a great cause?  

The reason we love the Nyanya project the most is its element of empowerment.  Sam explains, “Our number one thing we want people to know is we do not give out handouts, the Nyanya Project is about teaching these grandmothers to have a better quality of life”.  So, collegiettes™, are you feeling empowered yet?